John Wayne, “Why I Love America”. To me, this could not ever be said any better, or with more meaning than this.
For me, rather than engaging in the symbols or making a big deal out of one day a year, the best celebration is to re-read the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, and ponder the ways the country is still living up to its ideals, how far we have strayed from its principles, and who have lead us astray.
During the morning, I will watch my church's service on my computer through streaming, as I have been doing. Its not that often that the 4th comes on a Sunday. That is, unless some of our "younger" neighbors shoot off firecrackers into late Sat. night, and I'm still too sleepy from lack of sleep to get up early. But, basically, I'll do what I always do (except when my kids were growing when we went to the town stadium to watch the fireworks and listen to the symphony), that is I'll sit on my deck, grill at steak, and watch the world go by.
I have no idea what the day will bring. Activities here are minimal and family members will all be at the ocean. It will be a day of isolation for me.
Just a little FYI, for those that are interested: Have our Comcast Recorder set to record both the Macy's 4th Fireworks and A Capitol Fourth fireworks displays. Macy's is on Sunday, the 4th, on NBC at 7PM MT, 9PM ET. A Capitol Fourth 2021 is also on Sunday, the 4th on PBS at 7PM MT, 9PM ET. For us, it's both nicer and safer, watching these fireworks displays on our tv. And, besides that, we both can enjoy some snacks and some Bud Light, to boot.
Quietly, on our part, while listening to the people who live down the street do their annual reenactment of the Bombing of Fort McHenry.....the preliminaries of which will probably start tonight.
I was listening to a talk where the speaker pointed out what he said was the intentional dark humor in "...pledge our fortunes, our lives and our sacred honor...." What they were in the process of doing was an act of treason against the King. They were certainly aware of it.